Elementary Education (BSEd)

Overview

Viterbo’s education program has a rich history of training teachers to become ethical leaders and exceptional educators. Viterbo elementary education majors log many hours of field experience prior to student teaching and receive extensive training in their content area, teaching theory, and teaching practice. Viterbo’s education faculty are caring and approachable and have extensive experience in the classroom.

Policy
Learning Outcomes

Developed by the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) and adopted by Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI)

  • LEARNER DEVELOPMENT – The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and the teacher designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
  • LEARNING DIFFERENCES – The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
  • LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS – The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
  • CONTENT KNOWLEDGE – The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make these aspects of the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.
  • APPLICATION OF CONTENT – The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
  • ASSESSMENT – The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.
  • PLANNING FOR INSTRUCTION – The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
  • INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES – The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.
  • PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AND ETHICAL PRACTICE – The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning, uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
  • LEADERSHIP AND COLLABORATION – The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.
  • VITERBO STANDARD – The teacher demonstrates personal qualities and values which reflect the Franciscan values identified in the Viterbo University teacher education conceptual framework.
Addendum

Elementary Education (transfer agreement) Major (Bachelor of Science in Education)

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in the Early Childhood Education and Foundations of Teacher Education programs must have been earned after May 2008 for Wisconsin Technical System graduates. Students may not begin these specifically-articulated transfer programs or be considered a student in these programs until the AAS degree has been completed and documented on the technical college transcript. A student who did not complete the AAS degree could instead complete the requirements of the general major, and any completed courses of the AAS would count toward the major, but in order to come into this articulated transfer agreement program, the AAS must be completed prior to transfer to Viterbo. The student cannot be dually enrolled .  

  • Core curriculum and mission seminars – see core curriculum section of catalog. Education majors are required to take specific general education courses to satisfy DPI licensure requirements. Students may take any course fulfilling the core curriculum requirement categories, with the exception of specific courses in the following categories: historical analysis – HIST 111 or 112; scientific reasoning in the natural sciences – BIOL 100 or 160 or 161 or 203 and PHYS 102; integrating faith and practice – RLST 433.
  • Major requirements (Early Childhood Education) – EDUC 255, 290, 302, 306, 308, 311, 323, 355, 405, 413, 441, 482, MATH 255
  • Major requirements (Foundations of Teacher Education) – EDUC 255, 290, 302, 306, 308, 311, 323, 355, 405, 413, 441, 482, MATH 255
  • Certifiable minor – certifiable minors for elementary/middle education majors are available in early childhood education, English/language arts, history, mathematics, science, Spanish, and special education. Methods and student teaching in the minor are incorporated into the teaching major program.
  • Bachelor of Science requirement – a minimum of 11 credits of natural science and/or mathematics
  • Final degree requirements – a minimum of 120 college level credits, minimum of 40 credits at the 300/400 level

Transfer courses and waivers and/or substitutions could modify the required credit total in the core curriculum and major.

Biology (BS)

Overview

Viterbo’s biology program provides students with a breadth of knowledge within the biological sciences, including cellular and molecular biology, anatomy and physiology, ecology, behavior, and evolution; as well as the opportunity to gain a greater depth of knowledge in specialized areas of interest. The biology program at Viterbo offers a student-centered learning environment including hands-on experiences, career exploration, research, and internships within the curriculum.

Policy
  • Students majoring in biology must maintain a biology grade point average (GPA) of 2.25 to continue in and graduate from this program. The biology GPA is based on all grades earned in the required and elective courses taken in biology and required support courses. Any student whose biology GPA falls below 2.25 will be placed on probation for one semester. If the biology GPA is not raised during that semester, the student may not enroll in further biology courses. An earned grade of a D or lower in any biology or support course will not be credited toward the biology major.
  • Directed research must be faculty-approved, but may be conducted at an institution other than Viterbo University with prior approval. Special topics are offered periodically. Credit for these courses may substitute for one or more of the listed courses with faculty approval.
Learning Outcomes
  • Understand importance of interrelationships and unifying themes of major biological concepts
  • Understand the elements of the scientific method, design and implement experiments independently, and analyze and present data to the faculty and peers in a competent and professional manner
  • Students should be familiar with the principles, operation, and problems of common laboratory procedures and instrumentation
  • Students should understand the complexity of ethical issues surrounding science
Addendum

Viterbo University Degree in Three Program for Biology Majors

This accelerated degree program provides an opportunity for outstanding, highly motivated students to complete their bachelor’s degree in three years rather than the traditional four. This program is available to students who wish to major in biology.

Social Work (BS)

Overview

Viterbo’s social work program is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and provides students with the hands-on and experiential learning necessary to prepare them for a rewarding and dynamic profession. As part of this program, students will participate in a 30-hour per week, 400-hour internship in a social service setting working with a trained social work practicum instructor. Small classes and challenging courses are led by caring faculty who have extensive experience as social workers.

Policy
  • Admission
    • The professional social work course sequence begins at the junior level. Students apply to the professional phase of the program by completing a formal application for admission. The application is due Feb. 1 of the sophomore year for formal admission to the junior year courses. Only applications from change of major or transfer students will be accepted after Feb. 1. The application is available online through the Viterbo social work web page.
    • The applicant must satisfy the following criteria: completion of 30 credits, cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 based on a 4.0 scale at the time of application, B or better in SOWK 210 (this course may be repeated once), written application to the social work program, interview required at the discretion of the admissions committee, completion of the pre-professional prerequisite curriculum with grades of C or higher prior to beginning the professional sequence courses.
    • Meeting minimum standards does not guarantee admission to the professional social work program. The social work admissions committee may find it necessary to deny admission to a qualified applicant because of enrollment limits in the professional social work sequence and practicum education. Students have the right to appeal a denial of admission to the social work program according to the procedures outlined in the Social Work Student Handbook.
    • The social work program will not approve academic credit given for life experience or previous work experience in whole or in part, in lieu of practicum education or academic course work. The social work program does not offer students an opportunity to receive credit by examination for social work courses.
  • Progression in the professional phase of the social work program
    • In order to progress in the professional social work program, students must maintain a 2.50 grade point average (GPA) based on a 4.0 scale in SOWK 240, 280, 321, 331, 341, 442, 479, 482, and SOCL 338, receive a minimum grade of C or better in SOWK 240, 275, 280, 321, 331, 341, 442, 451, 479, 482, and SOCL 338, receive a grade of CR (credit) in SOWK 480, maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 2.5, achieve grades of C or better in all prerequisite and support courses.
  • Admission to practicum education
    • The professional social work curriculum culminates with a one semester 450 hour practicum education experience in an approved agency setting. Students are required to complete an application process for acceptance to practicum education one semester before intended entry. Only social work majors who have completed all courses in the professional phases of the social work curriculum and all support courses for the major, except SOWK 480 and 482, and meet criteria for practicum education will be admitted into practicum education. A criminal background check is required to enter practicum education. Students with a history of physical violence, sexual misconduct, or any other offense which would make the student unemployable as a social worker may be denied admission to practicum education in a particular semester. Admission into practicum education is limited by the number of opportunities for placement in certified practicum agencies. In the event that practicum education applications exceed placement sites, eligible students will be accepted based on the number of credits completed.
Learning Outcomes
  • Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
  • Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice
  • Engage anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in practice
  • Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
  • Engage in policy practice
  • Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
  • Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
  • Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
  • Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
Addendum

Social Work (transfer agreement) Major (Bachelor of Science)

Students with an earned AAS degree in human services from Western Technical College may earn a Bachelor of Science with a major in social work. The degree must have been earned May 2013 or later.  Students may not begin this program or be considered a student in this program until the AAS degree has been completed and documented on a transcript. The student cannot be dually enrolled. The AAS degree must be completed prior to transfer to Viterbo. Students must fulfill all requirements for the Core Curriculum, mission seminars, major requirements, Bachelor of Science requirements and final degree requirements.  Transfer courses and waivers and/or substitutions could modify the credit total in the core curriculum and major.

Undergraduate Student Enrollment in Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling

Exceptional undergraduate students seeking a bachelor degree in social work can apply to the Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling (MSMDC) program for provisional admittance. Students must meet the following requirements:

  • 2nd semester of junior year
  • GPA of 3.25 or higher
  • Prerequisites of PSYC 171, 340 and a research methods course

Students would complete all admission requirements for the MSMHC program with the exception of the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) and submission of their final undergraduate transcript; these will be required upon completion of their bachelor degree program. Provisionally admitted students could enroll in a maximum of nine graduate credits (provided availability of seats). Refer to the Undergraduate Student Enrollment in Graduate Course policy in this catalog. Students interested in this opportunity should contact the MSMHC Program Director.

Health Care Management (BBA Degree Completion)

Overview

Viterbo’s health care management degree completion program is an online program that allows students to complete a Bachelor of Business Administration degree using previously earned college credit, military credit, or credit for prior learning. Most students enter this program with 30+ prior college credits in business or health care disciplines. Health care management represents the study of business in health care settings, allowing students to build upon their practical experience and skills while expanding upon knowledge in legal and ethical issues, quality improvement, marketing, and economic aspects of health care.

Policy
  • All students pursuing the BBA degree must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) in the major requirement courses, and students must receive a letter grade of C (2.0) or higher in each of these courses. If a grade of CD or below is earned in any of these courses, the course must be repeated until a grade of C or higher is achieved. Students pursuing the business education major must maintain a 2.75 grade point average in all business and education coursework.
  • All transfer students seeking an undergraduate degree offered by the Dahl School of Business must earn a minimum of 15 credits of business coursework at Viterbo University.
  • Students completing a bachelor completion degree may not concurrently double major or double degree in a major offered as a traditional student major.
Learning Outcomes
  • Demonstrate mastery of management theories, principles, processes and skills, specific to the health care industry, to effectively lead and develop people in a health care setting
  • Apply principles of various business disciplines (including statistics, accounting, and finance) to address complex health care issues 
  • Analyze the health care policy and delivery systems that drive strategies toward affordability, access, and growth
  • Apply sound legal and ethical decision-making skills to effectively address issues that affect health care organizations
  • Demonstrate the use of health care informatics to support organizational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and clinical and managerial decision-making
  • Examine the current quality improvement tools that are used to improve patient care and increase patient satisfaction

The Servant Leadership Embedded Certificate is embedded within the Business Core curriculum. The certificate outcomes include the following:

  • Practice ethical decision-making
  • Communicate through storytelling
  • Develop contemplation and discernment
  • Understand how to build community and support the Common Good
Addendum

Health Care Management (transfer agreement/degree completion) Major (Bachelor of Business Administration)

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree must have been earned after May 2006 for Western Technical College (WTC) graduates or after May 2013 for Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) graduates. Students may not begin these specifically-articulated transfer programs or be considered a student in these programs until the AAS degree has been completed and documented on the technical college transcript. A student who did not complete the AAS degree could instead complete the requirements of the general major, and any completed courses of the AAS would count toward the major, but in order to come into this articulated transfer agreement program, the AAS must be completed prior to transfer to Viterbo. The student cannot be dually enrolled.  

  • Core curriculum – see core curriculum section of catalog
  • Major requirements (30 credits) – see below
  • Final degree requirements – a minimum of 120 college level credits, minimum of 30 credits at the 300/400 level

Transfer courses and waivers and/or substitutions could modify the required credit total in the core curriculum and major.

Western TC - Health Information Technology

BUSL 308, 309, HMGT 306, 320, 340, 425, SVLD 330, 430

Western TC - Medical Administrative Professional

BUSL 305, 308, 309, ECON 102, HMGT 306, 320, 330, 340, 375, 425, 445, SVLD 330, 430

Western TC - Medical Lab Technician

ECON 102, HMGT 306, 320, 330, 340, 375, 425, 445, BUSL 305, 308, 309, SVLD 330, 430

Western TC - Occupational Therapy Assistant

ECON 102, HMGT 306, 320, 330, 340, 375, 425, 445, BUSL 305, 308, 309, SVLD 330, 430

Western TC - Physical Therapy Assistant

ECON 102, HMGT 306, 320, 330, 340, 375, 425, 445, BUSL 305, 308, 309, SVLD 330, 430

Western TC - Radiography/span>

ECON 102, HMGT 306, 320, 330, 340, 375, 425, 445, BUSL 305, 308, 309, SVLD 330, 430

Western TC - Respiratory Therapy/span>

ECON 102, HMGT 306, 320, 330, 340, 375, 425, 445, BUSL 305, 308, 309, SVLD 330, 430

Western TC - Surgical Technology/span>

ECON 102, HMGT 306, 320, 330, 340, 375, 425, 445, BUSL 305, 308, 309, SVLD 330, 430

CVTC - Health Information Management and Technology/span>

ECON 102, HMGT 306, 320, 340, 425, BUSL 308, 309, SVLD 330, 430

CVTC - Health Navigator/span>

ECON 102, HMGT 306, 320, 330, 340, 375, 425, BUSL 305, 308, 309, SVLD 330, 430

Social Work (BA)

Overview

Viterbo’s social work program is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and provides students with the hands-on and experiential learning necessary to prepare them for a rewarding and dynamic profession. As part of this program, students will participate in a 30-hour per week, 400-hour internship in a social service setting working with a trained social work practicum instructor. Small classes and challenging courses are led by caring faculty who have extensive experience as social workers.

Policy
  • Admission
    • The professional social work course sequence begins at the junior level. Students apply to the professional phase of the program by completing a formal application for admission. The application is due Feb. 1 of the sophomore year for formal admission to the junior year courses. Only applications from change of major or transfer students will be accepted after Feb. 1. The application is available online through the Viterbo social work web page.
    • The applicant must satisfy the following criteria: completion of 30 credits, cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 based on a 4.0 scale at the time of application, B or better in SOWK 210 (this course may be repeated once), written application to the social work program, interview required at the discretion of the admissions committee, completion of the pre-professional prerequisite curriculum with grades of C or higher prior to beginning the professional sequence courses.
    • Meeting minimum standards does not guarantee admission to the professional social work program. The social work admissions committee may find it necessary to deny admission to a qualified applicant because of enrollment limits in the professional social work sequence and practicum education. Students have the right to appeal a denial of admission to the social work program according to the procedures outlined in the Social Work Student Handbook.
    • The social work program will not approve academic credit given for life experience or previous work experience in whole or in part, in lieu of practicum education or academic course work. The social work program does not offer students an opportunity to receive credit by examination for social work courses.
  • Progression in the professional phase of the social work program
    • In order to progress in the professional social work program, students must maintain a 2.50 grade point average (GPA) based on a 4.0 scale in SOWK 240, 280, 321, 331, 341, 442, 479, 482, and SOCL 338, receive a minimum grade of C or better in SOWK 240, 275, 280, 321, 331, 341, 442, 451, 479, 482, and SOCL 338, receive a grade of CR (credit) in SOWK 480, maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 2.5, achieve grades of C or better in all prerequisite and support courses.
  • Admission to practicum education
    • The professional social work curriculum culminates with a one semester 450 hour practicum education experience in an approved agency setting. Students are required to complete an application process for acceptance to practicum education one semester before intended entry. Only social work majors who have completed all courses in the professional phases of the social work curriculum and all support courses for the major, except SOWK 480 and 482, and meet criteria for practicum education will be admitted into practicum education. A criminal background check is required to enter practicum education. Students with a history of physical violence, sexual misconduct, or any other offense which would make the student unemployable as a social worker may be denied admission to practicum education in a particular semester. Admission into practicum education is limited by the number of opportunities for placement in certified practicum agencies. In the event that practicum education applications exceed placement sites, eligible students will be accepted based on the number of credits completed.
Learning Outcomes
  • Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
  • Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice
  • Engage anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in practice
  • Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
  • Engage in policy practice
  • Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
  • Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
  • Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
  • Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
Addendum

Undergraduate Student Enrollment in Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling

Exceptional undergraduate students seeking a bachelor degree in social work can apply to the Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling (MSMDC) program for provisional admittance. Students must meet the following requirements:

  • 2nd semester of junior year
  • GPA of 3.25 or higher
  • Prerequisites of PSYC 171, 340 and a research methods course

Students would complete all admission requirements for the MSMHC program with the exception of the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) and submission of their final undergraduate transcript; these will be required upon completion of their bachelor degree program. Provisionally admitted students could enroll in a maximum of nine graduate credits (provided availability of seats). Refer to the Undergraduate Student Enrollment in Graduate Course policy in this catalog. Students interested in this opportunity should contact the MSMHC Program Director.

Exploring (Undeclared)

Overview

Students do not need to have a major when they start at Viterbo University. Those who are unsure of what their future holds can be classified as "exploring" and in the process, can take a variety of courses to discover what field fits them best. Using a variety of resources, including one-on-one advising, interest inventory testing, and skills and strengths tools, the faculty and staff at Viterbo will do their best to help discover the major and career field that is right for each and every student.

Religious Studies and Theology (BA)

Overview

Viterbo’s religious studies and theology program focuses on social justice and the complexities of religions and spirituality in the modern world. At Viterbo, this process begins with dedicated faculty, both lay and religious, who are actively engaged in theological research and scholarship. Faculty guide and mentor students to examine religious history as well as Christian, Franciscan, and sacramental theologies, scripture, and moral reasoning.

Learning Outcomes
  • Students will analyze practices of faith found in sacred and foundational texts, demonstrating how various people practice their faith.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of faith perspectives through history, practices, and sacred, foundational texts, connecting them to doctrinal practices.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of the theological values of Francis and Clare of Assisi and Rose of Viterbo and the importance of those values in contemporary life.
  • Students will demonstrate learned leadership skill for functioning as ethical and just leaders in our diverse, contemporary world.
  • Students will articulate the Christian concept of the common good and its application to contemporary issues.

Accounting (BBA Degree Completion)

Overview

Viterbo’s accounting degree completion program is an online program that allows students to complete a Bachelor of Business Administration degree following the completion of an associate degree in accounting or the completion of the required accounting prerequisite courses. Accounting represents the study of measurement, processing, and communication of financial information, allowing students to build upon their practical experience and skills while expanding upon knowledge in finance, management, and leadership.

Policy
  • All students pursuing the B.B.A. degree must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) in the major requirement courses, and students must receive a letter grade of C (2.0) or higher in each of these courses. If a grade of CD or below is earned in any of these courses, the course must be repeated until a grade of C or higher is achieved. Students pursuing the business education major must maintain a 2.75 grade point average in all business and education coursework.
  • All transfer students seeking an undergraduate degree offered by the Dahl School of Business must earn a minimum of 15 credits of business coursework at Viterbo University.
  • Students completing a bachelor completion degree may not concurrently double major or double degree in a major offered as a traditional student major.
Learning Outcomes
  • Apply principles of various business disciplines to solve complex issues using strategic and critical approaches to decision-making and problem-solving
  • Demonstrate sound ethical decision-making skills to identify, analyze, and resolve workplace issues in financial accounting, auditing, and taxation
  • Communicate clearly and objectively and understand that these skills are critical in the accounting profession
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the legal and regulatory environment and analyze the impact of changes in relevant requirements, constraints, and competitive practices

The Servant Leadership Embedded Certificate is embedded within the Business Core curriculum. The certificate outcomes include the following:

  • Practice ethical decision-making
  • Communicate through storytelling
  • Develop contemplation and discernment
  • Understand how to build community and support the Common Good

The Wealth Management Embedded Certificate is embedded within the Finance major, accounting major, and accounting degree completion curriculums. The certificate outcomes include the following:

  • Understand risk and reward for individual assets and portfolios
  • Know and apply the value and limits of diversification
  • Understand types of investments and their role in strategic asset allocation
  • Describe risk and risk management for assets in different asset markets
Addendum

Accounting (transfer agreement/degree completion) Major (Bachelor of Business Administration)

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree must have been earned from a participant school in the statewide accounting program articulation agreement after May 2023 or earlier so long as the curriculum is similar enough to the 2023 AAS curriculums to meet ACBSP accreditation requirements as determined by a Viterbo transfer specialist. Students may not begin these specifically-articulated transfer programs or be considered a student in these programs until the AAS degree has been completed and documented on the technical college transcript. A student who did not complete the AAS degree could instead complete the requirements of the general major, and any completed courses of the AAS would count toward the major, but in order to come into this articulated transfer agreement program, the AAS must be completed prior to transfer to Viterbo. The student cannot be dually enrolled. 

  • Core curriculum – see core curriculum section of catalog
  • Major requirements (28-48 credits) – see below
  • Final degree requirements – a minimum of 120 college level credits, minimum of 30 credits at the 300/400 level

Transfer courses and waivers and/or substitutions could modify the required credit total in the core curriculum and major.

Wisconsin TC Statewide - Accounting

ACCT 416 or 418, 425, BUSL 306, 309, 318, 400, 401, SVLD 330

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